Calendar Math: Student Responses

20 November 2012

Over the past (almost) year, I have written about Calendar Math more than any other single topic. I really feel like it is such a worthwhile endeavor in class...worth every.single.second that it takes out of my math block. The time that I spend on it actually does pay off in the end (even if that means I have a little less time to do my actual math lesson for the day)

Well, here are some pictures that I hope will explain it and give you a better idea of just what the students are doing during the work period. I actually wrote these but this is what I expect (and receive) from the students. What the students will produce is in red (except for half of the first sheet, I forgot to change pens ;)

This is the 5th grade version. Obviously the 4th and 3rd grade versions do change slightly but the basics of what they are doing is the same.

Here are the three sheets I use throughout the year.

The first six weeks (or so) of school

The second six weeks or so

The remainder of the year (this is the more difficult of the three sheets)

Of course, each day it changes slightly because the date changes. I also make the big number bigger or smaller, do a different equation or geometry skill, but the basics are the same each day.

This is the geometry portion (for the first two sheets) and the Equation of the Day (for the last sheet).

Here are some close ups. Click on them for a clearer, bigger view.

You can find all of these close up pictures on a doc that I uploaded for you. That way, you can explore them a bit more.

As always, you can find all of my previous Calendar Math posts here. OK...what questions do you have for me??

Thanks to you I use a smaller version of this for our morning math meeting. It has really helped! My kids are "getting" lessons that we haven't even started yet so when we do it goes easier:) Thanks so much for that! I can't imagine not doing this now.....now I just have to find the time to make it even more like yours:) I mean literally find the time.....our math block is sooooo small and I am also doing math workshop so it's a tight squeeze to get it all in:) Thanks for all your wonderfulness:) Happy Thanksgiving;)

Wow, that's great. I teach in NC and we've rolled out ELA, Math, and Science all this year! While I thoroughly enjoyed helping "translating" the 5th grade math for my district, it's been a real...challenge! :)

I'm behind in reading, I'm sorry! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this and show more about Calendar Math. I tell everyone I know how great it has been for my students this year. Thanks Stephanie!

Ok, I do have a question now. Do the students copy the numbers you write down each day? Originally, I was setting up the sheets ahead of time with the numbers all ready for the students. Now I'm wondering if it would be easier to just write the numbers on the Calendar Math board we have, and the students can just record and go. What do you do, oh queen of Calendar Math? ;)

I have done both ways. But, for time's sake, I honestly just write the numbers out on the paper and copy it for the kids. Some kids were just taking SOOOO long copying the numbers, they never got to the math. It is a personal choice on what you do. Both ways work.

(and it is actually easier on *my* brain to think of the numbers on the day and write them on the Calendar Board, instead of doing an entire week ahead of time for the kids...something else to think about)

Stephanie, I teach 5th and am considering buying your packet, it looks amazing. Our school is trying to go paperless and my students will be 1:1. I am wondering how I might do this? Really some math just has to be done on paper. I love that you aligned the problems with Common Core.Thanks,Kristen